Basic Buddhist Concepts

Rating:
Summary: Good, but sometimes confusing
Review: As the title suggests, this book is about basic Buddhist concepts. It does discuss the concepts it claims to discuss; however, the history behind the different sects' interpretations of things can sometimes make things confusing. Many different sects' views are presented--which is great--but the basic, common-to-all teachings are occasionally mixed in with things that are specific to one particular sect, making things rather unclear...and even if you know what the basic teachings are, it still can be a mildly confusing read. Therefore, I would not reccomend this book to a beginner who does not already have some small knowledge of Buddhism. Don't get me wrong; it is a good book and it is definitely worth your time to read it...but for someone who is seeking to find out what Buddhism is, it might be easier to read something like Buddhism Plain and Simple, by Steve Hagen, before you pick this one up.

Rating:
Summary: Good, but sometimes confusing
Review: As the title suggests, this book is about basic Buddhist concepts. It does discuss the concepts it claims to discuss; however, the history behind the different sects' interpretations of things can sometimes make things confusing. Many different sects' views are presented--which is great--but the basic, common-to-all teachings are occasionally mixed in with things that are specific to one particular sect, making things rather unclear...and even if you know what the basic teachings are, it still can be a mildly confusing read. Therefore, I would not reccomend this book to a beginner who does not already have some small knowledge of Buddhism. Don't get me wrong; it is a good book and it is definitely worth your time to read it...but for someone who is seeking to find out what Buddhism is, it might be easier to read something like Buddhism Plain and Simple, by Steve Hagen, before you pick this one up.

Rating:
Summary: Thurough, conscise, eloquent, and complete.
Review: This basic book of Buddhist Concepts covers The Seals of the Law, The Four Noble Truths, The Law of Causation, The Twelve Linked Chain Of Dependent Origination, The Three Treasures, The Eightfold Path and the threefold learning - teachings that are common to all sects of Buddhism and foundaitonal to a comprehehsive practice.

I am in deep gratitude to this book for its non sectarian approach to the transmition of a framework for the structure of the Dharma that I can use to deepen my insight into an appreciation of and most importantly practical application of a Western tradition of Buddhist practice.

It is not the moon it only points, but it points most clearly.